I'm in the market to purchase a used S2000 and have been looking through various listings (auto trader; craigslist, etc.) hoping to find a vehicle w/ low mileage and within my price range. Recently I have seen several ads from individuals that have leases that they want to break. The two cars I'm interested are MY 2005 with 4K miles and 13Kmiles. One is Suzuka Blue and the other a Silverstone metalic. Owner is asking $25,500 (blue) & $26,900 (silverstone). Prices seem to be better than dealers and the vehicles are in great shape. What I'm wary about is that both individual are currently leasing and would have to break the lease and buy the vehicle out right and then sell it to me. It appears that they want me to essentially be the money man and they in turn will payoff the car (with my funds) and sell the title over to me. Is it just my paranoia or is my apprehension a valid one? I'd like to get some input on leases as well as whether or not this is even a good price? Has anybody ever purchased this way? Any input would kindly be appreciated. In the end I just want to experience what everyone else is...the joy of owning and driving an S2000.

 

Interesting question. I don't know.

I think you just need to understand the bottom line price to you. Mid-20s for MY05s sounds pretty reasonable. Although, if you want to get to the high 20s, you can get a new one right now as the MY06s wind down at the dealers.

 

I'd steer clear. They need to take care of their business before involving you.

As Chaz said if you put another couple thousand together (cash or finance) you can walk away with a new car and never have to wonder why someone wanted out of a lease.